Opinion

On College: The benefits of spring enrollment

By Purvi S. Mody

Daily News columnist

Posted:
04/22/2013 08:26:46 PM PDT

Updated:
04/22/2013 11:27:36 PM PDT

Colleges are increasingly offering students a spot in the freshman class starting in the spring semester or winter quarter, rather than the fall. This is a way for schools to offer more positions and at the same time still ensure a quality experience for all its students. It prevents overcrowding in dorms and in classes. It also puts less pressure on the resources offered to students.

So what does it mean when a college admits a student for the spring semester? Well, it means that admissions officers believe that student would be a fantastic fit for the school and would love to have him on campus. It also means that the school is limited by space and in order to give that student a chance to attend, he would have to begin at a slightly later date. He will get all of the same opportunities available to other students. His degree will not indicate a late start and will be the same degree received by all students. Some students are disappointed by a spring start offer, but really, it might have been the difference between an acceptance and a rejection. And in all cases, the acceptance is the better option, because it puts the choice in the student's hand.

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So if you have been offered a late start option by one of your top schools, consider it strongly. Some schools will allow you to still live on campus and take courses through an extension program or a local community college. This gives students the social experience of being on campus with all new students. The courses you take off-campus can still count toward your general education requirements, so you are not missing out on much. Other schools will encourage you to take courses even if you do not live on campus.

In some cases, students will use the fall semester to explore an interest, get an internship or job, volunteer with an organization they are passionate about, or travel and study abroad. Not attending college for the fall semester is not an excuse to sit home and catch up on TV and video games. It is an opportunity to pursue a project deeply or explore your curiosities in a way you might not be able to do if you were in school.

So before you quickly discard the late start option, imagine the opportunities you might have that your peers will not. If you are considering it, have a plan for what you will get done before you head off to college. You should actually call the admissions office and ask whether there are certain requirements you need to meet during that time off or if the office has recommendations on what students can do before the semester begins. I once had a student who attended fall semester at one university and then started in the spring at another. She had to clear this with both schools ahead of time, but it gave her an opportunity to take classes and live on campus in one part of the country and then enroll in a full-time program at the school where she will eventually get her degree.

A late-start option is not an indication that you are less worthy of admissions. It is exactly the opposite. It is the admissions office being as creative as possible to find a spot for you. It is them saying they like you so much they want to find a spot for you and this is the best option. It is important to note that in most cases you cannot apply for spring admission, but if it is something you would like to do, simply ask.

So imagine the possibilities. Embrace this unique opportunity and make the most of it.

Purvi S. Mody is co-owner of Insight Education, an educational consulting firm that helps students throughout the Bay Area to achieve their educational goals. Email her at purvi@insight-education.net.